Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has rejected calls for his dismissal over alleged irregularities in Ghana’s visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting there is no justification for his removal.

The Minority in Parliament has demanded his dismissal and prosecution, alongside the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, over their alleged roles in the controversy.

Adams, speaking to Citi News, denied that his ministry was aware of the arrangements from the outset, arguing that the National Sports Authority (NSA), GTA and private event company TRIBE Culture Fest had been handling their respective processes without the ministry’s knowledge.

“Well, I don’t see the justification. Both the American Embassy and TRIBE Culture Fest, the NSA and the GTA were doing their thing behind the Ministry. The Ministry didn’t know,” he said.

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The scandal centres on allegations that people paid substantial sums to secure visa assistance for the tournament, with reports indicating that about 90 prospective travellers were involved in one disputed arrangement. The total amount cited by Adams in relation to allegations against TRIBE Culture Fest has risen to US$623,000.

The controversy intensified after President John Dramani Mahama suspended NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah pending investigations.

Adams said he first became aware of the details when a letter dated May 19 requested that the ministry forward the names of event coordinators and volunteers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy.

The Sports Ministry has denied involvement in any wrongdoing and says it is cooperating with the ongoing Criminal Investigations Department probe.

FKA/JKB

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